Preparing for your appointment

If your primary care doctor suspects Sheehan's syndrome, you'll likely be referred to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders. To help prepare for your appointment:

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do to prepare for common diagnostic tests.

Write down all symptoms and changes you're experiencing, even if they seem unrelated to each other.

Make a list of your key medical information, including recent surgical procedures, the names of all medications you're taking and any other conditions for which you've been treated. Bring medical records from any previous pregnancies, especially those on labor and delivery.

Take a family member or friend, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information you learn during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions for your doctor will help you make the most of your time together. For Sheehan's syndrome, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?

What kinds of tests do I need?

Is Sheehan's syndrome temporary, or will I always have it?

Will I be able to have another child?

What treatments are available, and what do you recommend for me?

I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

Are there any dietary or activity restrictions I need to follow?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?

Do you have any brochures I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend?

Warren MP. Appropriate use of estrogen replacement therapy in adolescents and young adults with Turner syndrome and hypopituitarism in light of the Women's Health Initiative. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 2006;16:S98.

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